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Padres finally able to test Forsythe at shortstop

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PEORIA, Ariz. -- At long last, the Padres got a glimpse of Logan Forsythe playing shortstop. The veteran made his first start of the spring at the position in Wednesday's split-squad game against the A's.

A year ago in Spring Training, the Padres wanted to look at Forsythe at shortstop in addition to his natural position (third base) and the one he was still trying to learn (second base). Instead, Forsythe fractured his left foot and subsequently needed to have surgery on March 9. He wasn't reinstated from the disabled list until June 3.

This spring, the Padres are looking at Forsythe at second base, shortstop, third base and even some in left field, hoping to use him in a utility role this season.

"He's a great defender at third base. We've moved him over to second, and he did fine there. To help us and to help him in his career, let's get him some reps at shortstop to see what we have," said San Diego manager Bud Black. "Logan is motivated to do it and expand his horizons as a defender, and he feels comfortable on the left side. There are a lot of nuances at that position you don't get from third base or second base. But he's a sharp guy and he'll be a quick learner."

Forsythe isn't anticipating any problems. He has been working on the back field with Padres third-base coach Glenn Hoffman, who handles the infielders.

"I'll handle it fine. Range and distance [of throws] have never really been a problem. It's more that first step and the angles of getting to the balls," Forsythe said. "That was my biggest thing at second base, I was able to get to a lot of stuff, but it wasn't the right way.

"At shortstop, I might have to cut down a step or two, giving up a little range to cut the ball off a little more."

Everth Cabrera will still be the Padres' primary shortstop. A switch-hitter, Cabrera is much better from the left side (.267) than the right (.195). Forsythe hit .384 against left-handed pitching in 2012 over 99 at-bats.